U.S. patent number 6,175,963 [Application Number 09/343,877] was granted by the patent office on 2001-01-23 for attire having magnetically affixed emblems.
Invention is credited to Glenn M. Loeffelholz.
United States Patent |
6,175,963 |
Loeffelholz |
January 23, 2001 |
Attire having magnetically affixed emblems
Abstract
A system and method for detachably securing emblems, or the
like, to articles of clothing, such as caps, hats, shirts, jackets,
belts, and shoes. The system employs the combination of two
magnetically attractive elements, for example, a magnet and a plate
or a piece of ferromagnetic material. One or more magnets or pieces
of the ferromagnetic material may be embedded in or adhesively
attached to the clothing. Similarly, one or more magnets or pieces
of the ferromagnetic material may be embedded in or attached to one
or more emblems. The emblems are placed over selected ones of the
magnetically attractive elements in the clothing, and thereby
magnetically secured thereto. The method contemplates that a user
may retrofit new or existing clothing, to enjoy the advantages of
the present invention, without having to buy either new or
specially manufactured clothing.
Inventors: |
Loeffelholz; Glenn M. (Tuson,
AZ) |
Family
ID: |
23348072 |
Appl.
No.: |
09/343,877 |
Filed: |
June 30, 1999 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/209.13;
2/200.1; 2/209.12 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B
23/24 (20130101); A41D 27/08 (20130101); A42B
1/248 (20130101); A43B 1/0054 (20130101); A43B
3/0078 (20130101); A42B 1/24 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A41D
27/00 (20060101); A41D 27/08 (20060101); A42B
1/24 (20060101); A42B 1/00 (20060101); A43B
23/00 (20060101); A43B 23/24 (20060101); A42B
001/24 () |
Field of
Search: |
;2/209.12,209.13,175.1,200.1,195.1 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Mohanty; Bibhu
Attorney, Agent or Firm: West; R. Michael Boutin, Dentino,
Gibson, Di Giusto, Hodell & West
Claims
I claim:
1. A method for retrofitting a cap or hat with at least one
detachably secured badge, patch, or emblem, the cap or hat having a
lower circular band portion and an inner surface portion,
comprising the steps of:
a. securing a first magnetically attractive element at a
predetermined location upon said inner surface portion of the cap
or hat, said predetermined location being above said circular band
portion;
b. providing a second magnetically attractive element, having an
outwardly facing portion with text, a logo, or other design element
thereon, and an inwardly facing portion; and,
c. placing said second magnetically attractive element over said
first magnetically attractive element, for magnetic securement
therewith.
2. The method of claim 1 in which said first magnetically
attractive element is adhesively secured upon said inner surface
portion of said cap or hat.
3. The method of claim 1 including a plurality of said first
magnetically attractive elements, each element being secured at a
respective said predetermined location above said circular band
portion.
4. The method of claim 3 including a plurality of said second
magnetically attractive elements for securement to selected ones of
said first magnetically attractive elements.
5. A method for retrofitting a cap with at least one detachably
secured badge, patch, or emblem, the cap having a bill portion
extending outwardly and forwardly from a lower front portion of the
cap, comprising the steps of:
a. securing a first magnetically attractive element at a
predetermined location upon on an underside of said bill portion of
the cap;
b. providing a second magnetically attractive element, having an
outwardly facing portion with text, a logo, or other design element
thereon, and an inwardly facing portion; and,
c. placing said second magnetically attractive element over said
first magnetically attractive element, for magnetic securement
therewith.
6. In combination, a cap having a lower circular band portion, an
inner surface portion, and an exterior surface portion, said cap
including a first magnetically attractive element secured at a
predetermined location above said circular band portion and upon
said inner surface portion of said cap or hat, and, at least one
detachably secured badge, patch or emblem including a second
magnetically attractive element having an outwardly facing portion
with text, a logo, or other design element thereon, and an inwardly
facing portion, whereby, placing said inwardly facing portion of
said second magnetically attractive element over said first
magnetically attractive element, said badge, patch or emblem is
secured to said exterior surface portion of said cap.
7. The combination of claim 6, in which said first magnetically
attractive element is a ferromagnetic body.
8. The combination of claim 6, in which said first magnetically
attractive element is a magnetic body.
9. The combination of claim 6, in which said second magnetically
attractive element is a ferromagnetic body.
10. The combination of claim 6, in which said second magnetically
attractive element is a magnetic body.
11. The combination of claim 6, in which said cap includes a crown
portion, and in which said first magnetically attractive element is
located at a predetermined location within said crown portion.
12. The combination of claim 11, in which said crown portion of
said cap has an inner surface portion, and in which said first
magnetically attractive element is adhered to said inner surface
portion.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to accessories for clothing
apparel, such as caps, hats, jackets, shirts, pants, belts, and
shoes. More specifically, the invention pertains to emblems having
printed or graphic designs thereon relating to entertainment
characters, movies, sports, schools, or associations, and which are
adapted to be magnetically affixed to apparel.
2. Description of the Prior Art
It is well known in the art to stitch or adhesively affix patches
and badges to casual attire such as caps, shirts, and jackets.
Typically, the patches and badges incorporate and display printed
information, logos, and other fanciful designs, pertaining to team
sports, school affiliation, and the like. Because the patches are
permanently attached to an article of clothing, it is necessary for
the wearer to purchase a different cap for each patch, or like
display element, to be worn. To eliminate the need for having
different articles of clothing for each different patch, changeable
patches or display elements have been developed in the prior
art.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,667,274 describes a cap having a
self-illuminating patch assembly. A reflector unit having a light
diffusion screen and a light are mounted in the front of a cap.
Indicia or a logo can be applied directly on the screen or,
alternatively, on an interchangeable film which can be placed over
the screen. Because both the screen and the film are readily
changed, different indicia and graphics can be displayed using the
single cap.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,776,043 teaches a cap having a rectangular patch of
the loop portion of a hook-and-loop fastener, mounted on the brow
portion of the cap. Various logos equipped with hook fastener
portions can thereby be detachably affixed to the cap.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,003,640 discloses a cap having a pair of rear
positioned straps for adjusting the size of the cap. A nameplate
can be removably mounted on the straps by passing the straps
through mounting bars on the nameplate. Alternatively, the
nameplate can be affixed to the straps via a hook-and-loop
fastener, or to a pin provided on one of the straps and receivable
by an opening in the nameplate.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,136,726 illustrates articles of clothing made from
a stretchable material having a plurality of loop elements therein.
One or more decorative elements equipped with hook portions can be
removably secured to the clothing.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,253,368 shows a cap with an erasable billboard, or
writing surface, on its crown portion. The erasable billboard, a
writing implement, and an eraser are all detachably affixed to the
cap by means of hook and loop fasteners.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,276,985 shows a detachable plaque for a cap having
a crown portion and a visor portion. The plaque has two hingeably
connected segments, one segment being affixed to the crown while
the other segment is affixed to the visor, by means of snaps or
hook-and-loop fasteners. The segment which lies against the crown
has a surface designed for the application of indicia thereto or,
alternatively, is provided with a slot for insertion of a display
card.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,282,278, 5,418,981, and 5,442,817, issued to
Miner, all teach an emblem bearing cap. A cap attachment is
fabricated from a relatively stiff material. The attachment is
folded about a primary crease, defining an upper facing panel and a
lower backing panel. The attachment is then folded over the lower,
rear edge of the cap, and releasably secured thereto by
hook-and-loop fasteners, snaps, double-sided adhesive tape, or
similar means. The facing panel allows the display of emblems or
other indicia.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,287,559 discloses a cover comforter for the sizing
straps of a baseball cap. The padded comforter consists of a pair
of hingeably connected panels provided with hook-and-loop
fasteners. The attachment is folded over the straps and the panels
are secured together using the fasteners. An outwardly facing panel
of the comforter carries a logo.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,359,733 shows a cap which includes one or more
sections of hook material that may simultaneously accept a
plurality of patches. The hat and patches may be provided in the
form of a kit.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,359,734, the front vertical face of a cap
includes a rectangular opening having a seam formed about its
periphery. The opening is filled with a rectangular piece of
material including fastening hooks. A number of cloth panels, each
substantially the same size as the opening, bear a name, logo, or
character on one display side, and pile material on the attachment
side for placement over the piece having hooks.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,410,761 shows a cap having a visor provided with an
insert. A number of pictorial displays are placed over the insert.
The insert is protected by a clear envelope which is slipped over
the visor and secured thereto by a hook-and-loop fastener. The
envelope may also carry pictorial display elements and may also be
made from a fabric.
Lastly, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,452,479, the combination of a cap and a
clear plastic case for holding articles such as licenses and
photographs, is disclosed. The case can be permanently secured to
the cap, or may be removably attached thereto by hook-and-loop
fasteners.
The above-described prior art has a number of drawbacks. For
example, the cap attachments in the form of frames, cases and
plaques detract from the appearance of a cap, whether they contain
an insert or not. The fixed configuration of the frame or holder
also limits the range of emblem configurations it can accommodate.
Lastly, the emblem or other indicia can only be located where the
frames or cases are located on the cap.
Emblem or patch attachments, designed to be mounted on or over the
rear positioned, size adjustment straps, cannot be employed
universally to all caps. Moreover, such attachments can only
display emblems rearwardly.
A cap such as that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,136,726, having on
outer surface consisting entirely of hook or loop elements, has its
own unique problems. If the user brushes against certain objects,
the cap may become attached thereto. Moreover, the exposed surface
portions will readily pick up lint and other substances which make
the cap look dirty or shabby. Other cap designs, which use hook or
loop elements in plural locations, have similar problems unless
each of the elements is covered at all times.
Thus, there is room for improvement in attire to which patches,
emblems, and the like may be detachably secured. The present
invention solves many of the above-identified problems by employing
a detachable means of emblem securement which is economical,
flexible, and esthetically pleasing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention may be used advantageously in connection with any
type of apparel, but will be described herein principally for use
with caps, hats, shirts, and jackets. The invention employs the
combination of two magnetically attractive elements, for example, a
magnet and a plate or a piece of ferromagnetic material. These
magnetically attractive elements provide a convenient means for
detachable securement of the patch, emblem, or display element to a
non-magnetic article of clothing.
In a particular application, it may be desirable to have the
magnet, or magnets, on the patch and the ferromagnetic material
embedded in or attached to the attire. For example, a large patch
may require a number of smaller magnets, strategically located on
its underside, for effective securement to a single plate of
ferromagnetic material. On the other hand, it may be desirable to
place a plurality of magnets at different locations on or around an
article of clothing, for securement of one or more patches or
display elements, each of which includes its own piece of
magnetically attractive material. If large attractive forces are
required, it may also be desirable to use a pair of magnets, one
affixed to the apparel and the other affixed to the patch or
display element. In this arrangement, the adjacent faces of the
magnets will, of course, have to be of opposite magnetic polarity
to generate attractive forces.
A magnet or the ferromagnetic piece, termed a first magnetically
attractive element, herein, may be fitted into the fabric or
material of the personal attire, so as to be unnoticeable. Since
magnetic lines of force are not blocked by the fabric or other
non-metallic materials normally used for attire, the first
magnetically attractive element is secured between layers of
fabric, or within a specially fabricated pocket. Alternatively, the
first magnetically attractive element may be adhesively affixed
directly to an inner surface of the attire. Similarly, a second
magnetically attractive element is secured to the underside of a
patch, emblem, or display element, or is imbedded within the fabric
to or material of that display element.
The magnetically attractive element in the attire can thereby hold
a display element securely in place on the exterior surface portion
of the attire, and nevertheless remain visibly unobtrusive.
Furthermore, inasmuch as magnets are available in many different
forms and can be incorporated in objects in various ways, virtually
any article of clothing and any display element can be provided
with magnetically attractive elements.
Another aspect of the invention resides in a method of retrofitting
new or existing attire, enjoying the advantages of the present
invention. The method comprises the first step of affixing a first
magnetically attractive element at one or more selected locations
upon the inner surface of the attire. Alternatively, the element
may be secured at one or more selected locations within the fabric
or other material of the attire. Then, in a following step, one or
more patches or display elements, containing a second magnetically
attractive element, is affixed to one or more of the selected
locations on the attire.
It is an object, therefore, of the present invention to provide a
convenient means for detachably securing a patch or display element
upon any exterior surface portion of a cap, hat, jacket, or other
attire, while remaining relatively unobtrusive.
Another object of the invention is to provide a detachable
securement system which can be used for attachment of a display
element to virtually any kind of attire.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a means for
detachably securing a plurality of patches or display elements to
the same or to different areas on attire.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a method of
retrofitting new or existing attire with the present system for
detachably securing patches or display elements, so that the
advantages of the invention can be enjoyed without purchasing new
or specially manufactured attire.
The preceding objects, as well as others, will become apparent in
the drawings and the written description of the invention to
follow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a left front perspective view of a cap and display
element, incorporating the features of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the side and rear portions of the
cap shown in FIG. 1, showing a rear mounted emblem and the outline
of two magnets in broken line;
FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the cap, with a portion of the
cap's crown being broken away to reveal a normally hidden
ferromagnetic plate,
FIG. 4 is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view, taken along the
lines 4--4 in FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the patch or display element
shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is a rear elevational view of the display element shown in
FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view, taken long the line 7--7 in FIG.
6; and,
FIG. 8 is a fragmentary view of a shirt or jacket, incorporating
the features of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
For the purposes of this disclosure, a magnet or magnetic material
is defined as a body having the property of attracting iron and
producing a magnetic field external to itself; a ferromagnetic body
is defined as material that is attracted by a magnet; a
magnetically attractive element may be either a magnet or a
ferromagnetic body; and, a non-magnetic body is defined as material
that is not attracted by a magnet.
Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a cap and display element assembly
11 of the present invention is shown. Cap 12 is comprised of cloth
or fabric sectors 13, cut into generally triangular pieces.
Although the cap shown in the drawings includes six sectors, this
number may vary with size and design. Adjacent sectors 13 are
attached to each other along seams 14, extending from a button 16
at the top of the cap, to lower edge 17. Elongated strips 18 of
fabric run behind each seam, and provide backing for the parallel
lines of seam stitches 19. A band 21 extends around the entire
inner periphery of the cap, along lower edge 17.
The cap 12 also includes a stiff visor or bill 22, which extends
outwardly and forwardly from the lower front portion of the cap.
The visor 22 includes an inner sheet 23 of stiff cardboard or
plastic which is covered by an upper layer 24 and a lower layer 26,
typically made from fabric or cloth. In the event the visor 22 is
made entirely from plastic, the inner sheet 23, and coverings 24
and 26 may be eliminated.
Making particular reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the cap also includes
a first magnetically attractive element 27, secured within or to
the crown portion of the cap. Element 27 is shown in the drawings
as a circular disc, but could assume other shapes, and could also
include multiple segments or pieces for particular applications. In
the preferred embodiment, element 27 is a ferromagnetic body,
conveniently formed from a thin piece of sheet metal, approximately
1/16" thick and 2" or so in diameter. Use of sheet metal for
element 27 is preferred owing to weight and expense considerations,
as well as its ability to be bent into the curved configuration of
the crown of the cap. However, element 27 may also be a magnetic
body, or multiple magnetic bodies.
In one form of construction, an inner panel 28 is sewn or
adhesively bonded over two of the front, adjacent sectors 13, in
the crown portion of the cap, to form a housing or pocket for
holding element 27 in place. Stitches (not shown) may be provided
around element 27 to secure it within the space between the front
two sectors 13 and panel 28. Alternatively, element 27 may be
adhesively secured to adjacent surfaces of sectors 13 and panel 28.
This type of construction is particularly well suited for use
during the manufacture of a new cap. However, for the retrofit of a
new cap, or the retrofit of an existing cap, the installation of a
stitched inner panel 28 may not be convenient, as it is beyond the
sewing capabilities of most persons. Therefore, a simple, yet
effective alternative means of securing a magnetically attractive
element is needed.
For that purpose, reference is now made to FIG. 4, where additional
ones of the first magnetically attractive elements, designated by
the numerals 29, 30, and 31, are shown. The owner of the cap may
add elements 29, 30, and 31, at any time, by simply applying
adhesive to one side of the element, and pressing the adhesively
prepared side against the inner surface of a sector 13 or the
underside of the visor 22. This retrofit method may be used for new
caps, or for existing caps, and provides the owner with the ability
to locate an emblem or badge at almost any location on the cap,
even the visor. And, a considerable number of elements may be
added, as long as space on the outside of the cap permits. Use of a
rubberized adhesive permits the removal or relocation of the
elements, as well.
A second magnetically attractive element 32 comprises a badge,
emblem, or display element. Element 32 typically includes an
inwardly facing base portion 33 and an outwardly facing overlay 34,
as shown most clearly in FIG. 7. One or more magnets 36 may be
adhered to the underside of base portion 33. Or, base portion 33
could itself be magnetic material. As yet another alternative, if
the first magnetically attractive element 27 is a magnet, rather
than ferromagnetic material, then the second magnetically
attractive element 32 may simply be a ferromagnetic material, and
include no magnets. Or, both the first and second magnetically
attractive elements may include or be magnets, providing the
adjacent surfaces of the respective magnets are of opposite
polarities, and therefore attractive to each other.
The configuration of display element 32 may be circular, oval,
square, rectangular, or irregular, as desired. Different
arrangements and numbers of magnets may be required to hold such
configurations securely in place. And, the corresponding size and
configuration of the first magnetically attractive element 27 may
have to be modified accordingly. Typically, overlay 34 includes
text and a design element or logo, or a combination of the two.
Overlay 34 may be a fabric, or a plastic, or a ferromagnetic
material as described above. Alternatively, the overlay 34 may be
eliminated, and the text, logo, or other visual representation
which would otherwise be included on the overlay may be printed or
formed directly on a front surface of the base portion 33.
By placing the underside of a selected second magnetically
attractive element over a selected first magnetically attractive
element, the emblem, badge, or display element will be magnetically
attracted to and held upon the exterior surface portion of the cap
12. Of course, a particular emblem may be removed and replaced with
another, or moved around the cap 12 to a different location. And,
as discussed above, further alternative locations for badges may be
added or removed at any time. Because the first magnetically
attractive element is concealed within the cap's structure, the
appearance of the cap is not adversely affected, even with no
badges or emblems in use. The cap 12 can be provided as a kit,
together with a variety of emblems or badges. Or, the magnetically
attractive elements may be provided as a separate kit, to retrofit
either new or existing caps.
The present invention may also be used advantageously in connection
with other substantially non-magnetic items of apparel, such as
shirts, jackets, coats, belts, pants, and shoes. As an example, in
FIG. 8, a first magnetically attractive element 37 is secured
within or upon the inner fabric of a jacket 38. A pouch or pocket,
such as that previously described, may be formed by sewing or
adhesively affixing an inner sheet to the inner fabric of the
jacket. Or, the element 37 may be glued or adhered to the inner
fabric. The element 37 may be located anywhere within the jacket,
but typically, it will be positioned on the breast pocket, on an
arm sleeve, or on the back portion. Then, a badge or an emblem,
comprising a second magnetically attractive element 40, including a
magnet 39, may be placed over element 37, and magnetically secured
thereto, in identical fashion to that previously described.
It will be appreciated, therefore, that I have described attire
having magnetically affixed emblems, which overcomes certain
problems inherent in prior art devices, yet which is economical and
flexible to use, either as a separate product, or as a retrofit kit
for use with new or existing items of apparel.
* * * * *